King James Version

What Does Isaiah 35:7 Mean?

Isaiah 35:7 in the King James Version says “And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where e...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. grass: or, a court for reeds, etc”

Isaiah 35:7 · KJV

Context

5

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

6

Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

7

And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. grass: or, a court for reeds, etc

8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. but: or, for he shall be with them

9

No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

Read Isaiah 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The parched ground becoming a pool reverses the curse of drought and barrenness. Dragons' (jackals') habitation—previously representing desolation (34:13)—transforms into vegetation, showing complete restoration. Reeds and rushes require abundant water, indicating permanent fertility. This dramatic transformation from cursed wasteland to fertile paradise illustrates regeneration—what was dead in sin becomes alive in Christ. The imagery anticipates the new heavens and new earth where former things pass away.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Water scarcity was constant concern in the ancient Near East. Transformation from desert to wetland represented ultimate divine blessing and provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual regeneration transform our inner desert into flourishing life?
  2. What areas of your life feel like parched ground needing God's transforming water?
  3. How does this picture of complete restoration encourage perseverance through trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהָיָ֤ה1 of 12
H1961

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

הַשָּׁרָב֙2 of 12

“And the parched ground”

H8273

quivering glow (of the air), especially the mirage

לַאֲגַ֔ם3 of 12

“shall become a pool”

H98

a marsh; hence a rush (as growing in swamps); hence a stockade of reeds

וְצִמָּא֖וֹן4 of 12

“and the thirsty land”

H6774

a thirsty place, i.e., desert

לְמַבּ֣וּעֵי5 of 12

“springs”

H4002

a fountain

מָ֑יִם6 of 12

“of water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

בִּנְוֵ֤ה7 of 12

“in the habitation”

H5116

(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

תַנִּים֙8 of 12

“of dragons”

H8577

a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal

רִבְצָ֔הּ9 of 12

“where each lay”

H7258

a couch or place of repose

חָצִ֖יר10 of 12

“shall be grass”

H2682

grass; also a leek (collectively)

לְקָנֶ֥ה11 of 12

“with reeds”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

וָגֹֽמֶא׃12 of 12

“and rushes”

H1573

properly, an absorbent, i.e., the bulrush (from its porosity); specifically the papyrus

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 35:7 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 35:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 26:18Isaiah 49:10John 4:14Isaiah 34:13John 7:38Revelation 18:2

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