Isaiah 55:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So shall my word {H1697} be that goeth forth {H3318} out of my mouth {H6310}: it shall not return {H7725} unto me void {H7387}, but it shall accomplish {H6213} that which I please {H2654}, and it shall prosper {H6743} in the thing whereto I sent {H7971} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

so is my word that goes out from my mouth - it will not return to me unfulfilled; but it will accomplish what I intend, and cause to succeed what I sent it to do."

Berean Standard Bible

so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 55:11 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and the inherent, unstoppable power of His divine word. This verse assures humanity that every utterance from God’s mouth—whether a promise, a command, a prophecy, or an invitation—possesses an intrinsic efficacy that guarantees its fulfillment. It will never fail to achieve the precise purpose for which it was sent, invariably accomplishing God's pleasure and prospering in its intended mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 55:11 is the climax of a rich theological invitation and assurance, following a powerful analogy in the preceding verse. Chapter 55 opens with a gracious invitation from God to all who are spiritually thirsty and hungry, urging them to come and partake of spiritual nourishment without cost, emphasizing the superior and lasting satisfaction found in God's covenant compared to worldly pursuits ([Isaiah 55:1-3](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1-3 - God's Invitation to Spiritual Nourishment")). This invitation transitions into a call for repentance and seeking the Lord while He may be found, coupled with the promise of abundant pardon for the wicked ([Isaiah 55:6-7](/isaiah/55-6 "Isaiah 55:6-7 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")). Crucially, the immediate context of verse 11 is the declaration in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways Are Higher"), which asserts that God's thoughts and ways transcend human understanding, setting the stage for the unparalleled nature of His word. This is immediately followed by the powerful simile in [Isaiah 55:10](/isaiah/55-10 "Isaiah 55:10 - The Analogy of Rain and Snow"), comparing the unfailing return of rain and snow to water the earth and produce life to the guaranteed efficacy of God's word. Verse 11 then directly applies this natural principle to the divine realm, affirming that just as rain fulfills its purpose, so too does God's word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-66 (often referred to as Second Isaiah), addresses the exilic and post-exilic community of Israel. Having endured the trauma of Babylonian captivity, the people were in desperate need of hope, assurance, and a renewed understanding of God's faithfulness. They questioned God's power and presence in their suffering. In this context, Isaiah 55:11 serves as a profound reassurance that despite their present circumstances, God's promises of restoration, redemption, and a glorious future for Israel would undeniably come to pass. The concept of a king's word or decree carrying absolute authority and being irreversible was understood in the ancient Near East, and this verse elevates that understanding to the divine level, emphasizing the supreme authority and reliability of the Creator's decrees. It combats the despair and doubt that might arise from a perceived delay in the fulfillment of prophecies or a lack of tangible evidence of God's active work.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in Isaiah 55, and particularly highlighted by verse 11, include **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, emphasizing that God is in complete control and His will cannot be thwarted. This verse powerfully underscores **The Efficacy and Power of God's Word**, presenting it not as mere human speech but as a dynamic, living force that accomplishes its intended purpose. This resonates with the creative power of God's word in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account by God's Word") and its sustaining power throughout creation. Furthermore, it reinforces the **Reliability of God's Promises and Covenant Faithfulness**. For a people grappling with the consequences of their unfaithfulness, the assurance that God's word "shall not return unto me void" provides a bedrock for renewed trust in His covenant promises, echoing the unchangeable nature of God's character as declared in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie"). The verse also subtly touches upon the theme of **Divine Purpose**, indicating that every word God speaks has a specific, intentional objective, leading to the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan for humanity and creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is far more expansive than merely a spoken utterance. It encompasses a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," "deed," "promise," or "purpose." In the context of God, _dâbâr_ refers to His active, authoritative communication that brings about reality. It is not just information but a performative act, a divine fiat that shapes existence and determines destiny. When God's _dâbâr_ goes forth, it is His will in action.
* **Void (Hebrew, _rêyqâm'_):** The word (H7387) means "emptily," "ineffectually," or "without cause." It signifies a state of being empty, useless, or having failed to achieve its intended result. When God's word does not return "void," it means it does not come back to Him without having accomplished its mission, without fruit, or without having produced the desired effect. It highlights the absolute certainty and effectiveness of divine communication.
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** This primitive root (H6743) means "to push forward," "to succeed," "to advance," "to be profitable," or "to accomplish successfully." It implies not just the fulfillment of a task but its effective and successful execution. God's word doesn't merely "do" something; it "prosperously" achieves its goal, indicating a complete and flourishing success in the specific thing for which it was sent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So shall my word that goeth forth out of my mouth":** This opening clause establishes the direct parallel with the preceding verse's analogy of rain and snow. Just as natural phenomena originate from heaven and proceed to fulfill their purpose, so God's word originates directly from His divine will and authority, "out of my mouth." This emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the word.
* **"it shall not return unto me void":** This is a powerful negative affirmation. The word "void" (H7387, _rêyqâm'_) means empty, useless, or without effect. God's word is not like an arrow shot that misses its target, or a messenger who returns without delivering the message or accomplishing the task. It inherently carries the power to achieve its objective and will never fail or be rendered ineffective.
* **"but it shall accomplish that which I please":** This positive affirmation clarifies the word's inherent efficacy. The word "accomplish" (H6213, _ʻâsâh'_) means to do, make, or bring to pass. The word "please" (H2654, _châphêts'_) indicates God's desire, delight, or will. This clause asserts that God's word will infallibly bring about His specific, sovereign will and pleasure. It is not a general success but a precise fulfillment of His divine intent.
* **"and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it":** This final clause reiterates and strengthens the previous one, emphasizing the successful and precise execution of God's purpose. The word "prosper" (H6743, _tsâlach'_) denotes effective success and advancement. God's word is not merely effective; it is perfectly effective, achieving complete success in the exact "thing" or mission for which it was specifically dispatched. This highlights the intentionality and precision of God's active word.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 55:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound truth. The primary device is **Analogy/Simile**, building directly on the comparison established in [Isaiah 55:10](/isaiah/55-10 "Isaiah 55:10 - The Analogy of Rain and Snow"). Just as rain and snow descend from heaven to water the earth and produce life, so God's word descends from Him to accomplish His purposes. This natural, observable phenomenon serves as a tangible illustration of an intangible spiritual truth. The verse also utilizes **Personification**, attributing human-like actions to God's word: it "goeth forth," "shall not return," "shall accomplish," and "shall prosper." This imbues the word with an active, dynamic agency, emphasizing its living and powerful nature. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Fiat** or decree, a declaration from God Himself that carries ultimate authority and guarantees its own fulfillment, leaving no room for doubt or failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 55:11 is a cornerstone for understanding the very nature of God's interaction with His creation and His people. It establishes the absolute reliability of divine revelation and promise, asserting that God's word is not merely informative but performative—it brings into being what it declares. This concept is foundational to biblical theology, underpinning the doctrines of creation ex nihilo (by divine word), prophecy, and the efficacy of the Gospel. It assures believers that every promise God has made, every command He has issued, and every future event He has declared will come to pass with perfect precision and success. This truth provides immense comfort and stability in a world of uncertainty, grounding faith in the unchanging and unfailing character of God.

* [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks and Creation Happens"): "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." This verse illustrates the creative power of God's word, bringing existence into being through mere utterance, directly fulfilling His pleasure.
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God"): "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." This New Testament passage affirms the living, active, and penetrating power of God's word, incapable of returning void.
* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Shall Pass Away, But My Words Shall Not"): "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Jesus Himself affirms the eternal and unfailing nature of God's word, echoing Isaiah's declaration of its absolute reliability and permanence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 55:11 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for every believer. In a world often characterized by broken promises, unfulfilled expectations, and fleeting words, this verse anchors our hope in the steadfastness of God. It calls us to absolute trust in His revealed will, whether found in His promises of salvation, His commands for righteous living, or His prophecies concerning the future. When we face doubts or delays, this verse reminds us that God's word is actively at work, accomplishing His purposes, even when we cannot perceive it. For those engaged in sharing the Gospel, it provides unwavering confidence: the message of Christ, being God's very word, carries inherent power to transform lives and will not return without accomplishing God's redemptive will in those who hear and believe. It also encourages persistence in prayer and obedience, knowing that aligning ourselves with God's unfailing word ensures our efforts are not in vain, but contribute to His sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God's promises, and how does Isaiah 55:11 strengthen your faith in His unfailing word?**
* **How does the understanding that God's word "shall not return void" impact your confidence in sharing the Gospel with others?**
* **Considering that God's word accomplishes His pleasure, how can you better align your desires and actions with His revealed will?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that every prayer I pray will be answered exactly as I wish?**

Answer: No, this verse primarily speaks to the efficacy of God's own spoken word and His divine decrees, not necessarily to the fulfillment of every human prayer request. While God certainly hears and answers prayer, the promise here is about His sovereign word accomplishing His specific will and pleasure. Our prayers are effective when they are aligned with God's will and His word, as [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer") indicates. The verse assures us that God's *own* purposes, as expressed through His word, will never fail.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of free will if God's word always accomplishes what He pleases?**

Answer: Isaiah 55:11 highlights God's sovereignty and the absolute effectiveness of His word, but it does not negate human free will. Rather, it suggests that God's purposes are so grand and His word so powerful that even within the framework of human choices, His ultimate will is accomplished. God's word can work through, around, or even in spite of human decisions to achieve His desired outcome. For example, God's word commanded salvation to be offered, and while individuals freely choose to accept or reject it, the *offer itself* and its ultimate purpose of gathering a people for Himself will not return void. This is part of the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God's word remains unfailing in its ultimate objective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 55:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the living Word of God. As [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus is the embodiment of God's word that "goeth forth out of His mouth." He was sent by the Father to accomplish a specific purpose: to redeem humanity and reconcile them to God. His mission, as the Father's sent Word, did not "return void." Instead, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He "accomplished that which [God] pleased," namely, the salvation of all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The Gospel message, which is the proclamation of Christ, is the word of God sent forth into the world, and it "shall prosper in the thing whereto [God] sent it"—the transformation of hearts and the building of His eternal kingdom ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Every promise of God finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises Are Yes in Christ")), demonstrating that the divine word, perfectly embodied in Jesus, infallibly achieves its intended redemptive purpose.

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

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Romans 10:17

So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

John 6:63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

Isaiah 45:23

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Luke 8:11

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Luke 8:16

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth [it] under a bed; but setteth [it] on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.