Isaiah 66:9

KJV

Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut [the womb]? saith thy God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall I bring to the birth {H7665}, and not cause to bring forth {H3205}? saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}: shall I {H589} cause to bring forth {H3205}, and shut {H6113} the womb? saith {H559} thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Would I let the baby break through and not be born?" asks ADONAI. "Would I, who cause the birth, shut the womb?" asks your God.

Berean Standard Bible

Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God.

American Standard Version

Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith Jehovah: shall I that cause to bring forth shut the womb? saith thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:9 presents a profound rhetorical question from the LORD, serving as an unwavering divine assurance that He will unfailingly complete every work He initiates. Employing the vivid and universally understood metaphor of childbirth, the verse powerfully communicates God's absolute faithfulness, sovereign power, and steadfast commitment to bring His promises and purposes to full and glorious fruition, emphasizing that His divine initiatives are never left unfinished or unfulfilled.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66:9 stands as a climactic declaration within the final chapter of the book of Isaiah, which serves as a grand conclusion to centuries of prophetic revelation. The preceding verses, [Isaiah 66:7-8](/isaiah/66-7 "Isaiah 66:7-8 - Zion's Sudden Birth"), describe the miraculous and sudden birth of a nation from Zion, occurring even before the onset of labor pains. This imagery of instantaneous and effortless delivery underscores the supernatural nature of God's restorative work. Verse 9 directly follows, reinforcing the certainty and divine origin of this spiritual "birth" or restoration. It is an emphatic affirmation that the God who initiates such a miraculous process will undoubtedly bring it to completion, ensuring the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the new heavens and new earth and the establishment of God's universal kingdom, as detailed in [Isaiah 65:17-25](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17-25 - New Heavens and New Earth").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah was written during a tumultuous period for Israel, spanning from the Assyrian threat to the Babylonian exile and looking forward to post-exilic restoration. The audience would have been familiar with the concept of God's covenant faithfulness, yet also acutely aware of their own failures and the devastating consequences of exile. Childbirth was a deeply significant and perilous event in ancient Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing new life, hope, and the continuation of a lineage. The rhetorical question in [Isaiah 66:9](/isaiah/66-9 "Isaiah 66:9 - God's Promise of Completion") taps into this universal understanding, assuring a people weary from exile and longing for restoration that God, unlike human beings, will not abandon or hinder the life He has purposed to bring forth. The emphasis on the LORD as "thy God" reassures a covenant people of His personal and unwavering commitment to them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, demonstrating that His promises are not subject to human frailty or abandonment; what He begins, He completes. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Power and Sovereignty**, portraying God as the ultimate initiator and finisher, capable of bringing forth the impossible. The metaphor of childbirth also emphasizes **New Creation and Restoration**, signifying God's ability to bring about new spiritual life, national renewal, and a glorious future for His people, even from seemingly barren circumstances. Finally, it serves as an **Assurance of Prophetic Fulfillment**, guaranteeing that the grand visions of restoration, salvation, and the ingathering of nations, which permeate Isaiah, will indeed come to pass by God's own hand.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the one making this promise is the unchanging, sovereign God who is inherently faithful to His word and purposes. It underscores the divine authority and reliability behind the rhetorical question.
* **bring forth (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife." This word is central to the childbirth metaphor, encompassing the entire process of conception, gestation, and delivery. Its repetition in the verse highlights God's active role not only in initiating the "birth" (the restoration/new creation) but also in ensuring its successful completion.
* **shut (Hebrew, _ʻâtsâr'_):** From H6113, a primitive root meaning "to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble." In this context, it vividly describes the act of restraining or hindering the birthing process. The rhetorical question emphatically denies that God, having initiated the process, would then "shut the womb" and prevent the full realization of His purpose, reinforcing His commitment to completion.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, the plural form of Eloah, often used of the supreme God. Its inclusion as "thy God" (referring to the covenant people) reinforces the personal and powerful nature of the speaker. It emphasizes that this is not just any deity, but the mighty, covenant-keeping God who is fully capable of bringing His plans to pass.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth?"**: This opening rhetorical question sets the stage, using the powerful metaphor of childbirth. "Bring to the birth" (H7665, _shâbar_, "to burst, break open") refers to the breaking of the waters or the onset of labor, the beginning of the birthing process. The question implies, "Would I, the LORD, initiate the pains of labor and the process of birth, only to abandon it before the child is delivered?" The answer, implicitly, is a resounding "No."
* **"saith the LORD:"**: This phrase explicitly identifies the speaker as YHWH (H3068), the covenant God of Israel. It lends ultimate divine authority and certainty to the question and its implied answer, assuring the audience that this is not a human promise but a divine declaration.
* **"shall I cause to bring forth, and shut [the womb]?"**: This second rhetorical question reiterates the first, intensifying the absurdity of God abandoning His work. "Cause to bring forth" (H3205, _yâlad_) emphasizes God's active role in the delivery. "Shut [the womb]" (H6113, _ʻâtsâr_) paints a stark picture of hindering or preventing the completion of the birth. The question asks, "Would I bring the child to the very point of delivery, only to then close the womb and prevent its emergence?" Again, the implied answer is a firm "Absolutely not."
* **"saith thy God."**: This concluding phrase reinforces the identity of the speaker, reiterating that it is "thy God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), the personal and powerful God of the covenant, who makes this promise. This adds a layer of intimate assurance, reminding the people of His personal commitment to their well-being and the fulfillment of His purposes for them.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is **Rhetorical Question**, employed twice to emphasize the undeniable truth of God's faithfulness. By posing questions that demand an obvious negative answer, the prophet powerfully asserts that God would never abandon a work He has begun. This technique engages the audience, forcing them to consider the absurdity of the alternative. Central to the verse is the **Metaphor** of childbirth. This vivid and universally understood image effectively communicates the idea of a process initiated by God that culminates in new life and fulfillment. The "bringing to birth" and "causing to bring forth" represent God's initiation and active participation in His redemptive plan, while "shutting the womb" symbolizes the unthinkable act of hindering or abandoning that plan. The use of **Anthropomorphism** is also present, attributing human actions and intentions (like bringing to birth or shutting a womb) to God to make His divine commitment relatable and understandable. Finally, the **Repetition** of "saith the LORD" and "saith thy God" serves as a powerful **Emphasis**, underscoring the divine origin and absolute certainty of the promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:9 profoundly articulates God's unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence, assuring His people that His redemptive purposes, once set in motion, will inevitably reach their glorious completion. This verse stands as a testament to the divine character, where commitment is absolute and power is limitless, ensuring that every promise made will be fulfilled. It underscores that God is not merely an initiator but also the perfect finisher of His work, bringing forth new life and restoration against all odds. This truth provides immense comfort and a solid foundation for hope, reminding believers that God's plans for salvation and renewal are as certain as the process of birth itself.

* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:9 offers a profound wellspring of hope and encouragement for every believer. In a world fraught with uncertainty, unfulfilled promises, and abandoned projects, this verse reminds us that our God is fundamentally different. He is the God who starts and finishes, who initiates and perfects. This truth should anchor our faith, especially during seasons of waiting, struggle, or when God's promises seem distant. Just as a mother would never bring a child to the point of birth only to prevent its delivery, so too our Heavenly Father will never abandon the work He has begun in us, in His church, or in the world. We can rest in the assurance that His divine purposes, whether personal sanctification, the growth of His kingdom, or the ultimate renewal of all creation, are moving inexorably toward their destined completion. This calls us to cultivate patience, steadfast hope, and active participation in His ongoing work, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain because He is faithful to bring it to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in the broader world do you need to trust God's faithfulness to complete what He has begun?**
* **How does the metaphor of childbirth deepen your understanding of God's commitment to bring forth new life and fulfill His promises?**
* **What specific "births" or new beginnings are you longing for, and how does this verse encourage you to pray and wait with confident expectation?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Isaiah 66:9?**

Answer: The primary message of [Isaiah 66:9](/isaiah/66-9 "Isaiah 66:9 - God's Unwavering Commitment") is God's unwavering commitment to complete what He starts. Using the metaphor of childbirth, it assures His people that He will not initiate a process—whether it's the restoration of Israel, the establishment of His kingdom, or the spiritual renewal of individuals—only to abandon it or prevent its full realization. It underscores God's faithfulness, power, and determination to bring His purposes to full fruition.

**How does the metaphor of childbirth apply to God's work?**

Answer: The metaphor of childbirth is incredibly powerful because it represents a process that is both initiated and brought to completion, resulting in new life. In [Isaiah 66:9](/isaiah/66-9 "Isaiah 66:9 - The Childbirth Metaphor"), God is depicted as the one who "brings to the birth" (initiates the labor) and "causes to bring forth" (ensures delivery). The rhetorical question "Shall I cause to bring forth, and shut [the womb]?" highlights the absurdity of abandoning a work at its critical juncture. This illustrates that God's plans are not merely conceived but are actively brought to full term, signifying His commitment to new creation, spiritual renewal, and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises for His people and the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:9 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "birth" that God brings forth is not merely a national restoration of Israel, but the spiritual birth of a new humanity, a new creation, through the redemptive work of Christ. Just as God promised He would not initiate birth and then shut the womb, so He did not begin the work of salvation in Christ only to abandon it. The incarnation of Jesus was the divine initiation of a new covenant and a new spiritual reality, the "bringing to the birth" of God's ultimate plan for humanity. His life, death, and resurrection represent the "causing to bring forth" of that new creation, culminating in the establishment of the church, His body, and the promise of His return. The very Spirit of God, who hovered over the waters at creation, is the one who enables us to be [born again](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again") into God's family, a work that God promises to complete, as Paul affirms in [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Completes His Good Work"). Christ is the Lamb of God who [takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and He is also the one who promises to [build His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church"). The new heavens and new earth, prophesied in Isaiah, are ultimately realized through Christ's reign, where He will [make all things new](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New"), demonstrating that the God who begins a good work in salvation will indeed bring it to full, glorious, and eternal completion through His Son.

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 37:3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day [is] a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and [there is] not strength to bring forth.

Genesis 18:14

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.