King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:16 Mean?

Isaiah 41:16 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.”

Isaiah 41:16 · KJV

Context

14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. men: or, few men

15

Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. teeth: Heb. mouths

16

Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

17

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

18

I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The winnowing and whirlwind imagery describes separating grain from chaff—enemies are scattered like chaff while Israel remains. Yet the ultimate result is rejoicing in the LORD and glorying in the Holy One of Israel. Victory produces worship, not pride. The Hebrew 'giyl' (rejoice) and 'halal' (glory/praise) indicate exuberant celebration directed toward God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This anticipated the joy of return from exile and victory over opposition. Ezra-Nehemiah records this fulfillment as the returned community celebrated despite continued challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you ensure victories lead to worship of God rather than self-congratulation?
  2. What does it mean to rejoice in the LORD rather than merely rejoicing in changed circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
תִּזְרֵם֙1 of 12

“Thou shalt fan”

H2219

to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

וְר֣וּחַ2 of 12

“them and the wind”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

תִּשָּׂאֵ֔ם3 of 12

“shall carry them away”

H5375

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

וּסְעָרָ֖ה4 of 12

“and the whirlwind”

H5591

a hurricane

תָּפִ֣יץ5 of 12

“shall scatter”

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

אוֹתָ֑ם6 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאַתָּה֙7 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תָּגִ֣יל8 of 12

“them and thou shalt rejoice”

H1523

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה9 of 12

“in the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בִּקְד֥וֹשׁ10 of 12

“in the Holy One”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל11 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

תִּתְהַלָּֽל׃12 of 12

“and shalt glory”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

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 41:16 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 41:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 51:2Isaiah 45:24-25Isaiah 61:10-11Habakkuk 3:18Jeremiah 9:23-24Jeremiah 15:7

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