King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:4 Mean?

Isaiah 40:4 in the King James Version says “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, an...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: straight: or, a straight place plain: or, a plain place”

Isaiah 40:4 · KJV

Context

2

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. comfortably: Heb. to the heart warfare: or, appointed time

3

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

4

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: straight: or, a straight place plain: or, a plain place

5

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

6

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse employs dramatic topographical language to depict the removal of obstacles to God's coming. The leveling of mountains and valleys symbolizes the removal of all impediments—human pride (mountains) and despair (valleys)—that prevent encounter with God. John the Baptist applied this verse to his ministry of spiritual preparation for Messiah's coming (Luke 3:4-5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient royal roads were literally prepared by leveling terrain before a monarch's arrival. This imagery would resonate powerfully with exiles anticipating their return journey from Babylon through wilderness terrain.

Reflection Questions

  1. What mountains of pride or valleys of despair need leveling in your life to prepare for God's work?
  2. How does God's coming require preparation of the heart, not just external reformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כָּל1 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גֶּיא֙2 of 12

“Every valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

יִנָּשֵׂ֔א3 of 12

“shall be exalted”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וְכָל4 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַ֥ר5 of 12

“and every mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְגִבְעָ֖ה6 of 12

“and hill”

H1389

a hillock

יִשְׁפָּ֑לוּ7 of 12

“shall be made low”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

וְהָיָ֤ה8 of 12
H1961

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

הֶֽעָקֹב֙9 of 12

“and the crooked”

H6121

(transitive) fraudulent or (intransitive) tracked

לְמִישׁ֔וֹר10 of 12

“shall be made straight”

H4334

a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

וְהָרְכָסִ֖ים11 of 12

“and the rough places”

H7406

a mountain ridge (as of tied summits)

לְבִקְעָֽה׃12 of 12

“plain”

H1237

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

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 40:4 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 40:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 3:5Ezekiel 21:26Luke 18:14Isaiah 45:2Isaiah 42:15-16Ezekiel 17:24

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