King James Version

What Does Isaiah 11:16 Mean?

Isaiah 11:16 in the King James Version says “And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 11:16 · KJV


Context

14

But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. them of: Heb. the children of they shall lay: Heb. Edom and Moab shall be the laying on of their hand shall obey: Heb. their obedience

15

And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod. dryshod: Heb. in shoes

16

And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A highway for the remnant returning from Assyria, just as there was for Israel leaving Egypt. The 'highway' suggests an easy, clear path—God will make the way simple and direct. This 'second time' recovery recalls the first deliverance from Egypt, showing God's consistent redemptive pattern. The emphasis on 'the remnant' demonstrates that God preserves a people through judgment for restoration. This highway imagery pervades Isaiah (19:23; 35:8; 40:3), ultimately fulfilled in gospel proclamation clearing a way to God through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Initially refers to return from Assyrian exile (northern kingdom remnant) and later Babylonian exile. Spiritually fulfilled in John the Baptist preparing 'the way of the Lord' (Matthew 3:3, quoting Isaiah 40:3). The gospel creates a highway to God—clear, accessible path through Christ. What seemed impossible (returning from exile, reconciliation with God) God makes possible by creating the way Himself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ serve as the 'highway' to God—the clear, direct path to salvation?
  2. What does the highway imagery teach about God's initiative in making salvation accessible?
  3. How do we participate in preparing the highway for others to come to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהָיְתָ֣ה1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מְסִלָּ֔ה2 of 14

And there shall be an highway

H4546

a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase

לִשְׁאָ֣ר3 of 14

for the remnant

H7605

a remainder

עַמּ֔וֹ4 of 14

of his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 14

which

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשָּׁאֵ֖ר6 of 14

shall be left

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

מֵֽאַשּׁ֑וּר7 of 14

from Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר8 of 14

which

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָֽיְתָה֙9 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 14

like as it was to Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּי֥וֹם11 of 14

in the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עֲלֹת֖וֹ12 of 14

that he came up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ13 of 14

out of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃14 of 14

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 11:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 11:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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