King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:17 Mean?

Isaiah 41:17 in the King James Version says “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 41:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's compassion for the poor and needy ('aniyim' and 'evyonim'—the afflicted and destitute) seeking water introduces a restoration promise. When their tongue fails for thirst, God promises, 'I the LORD will hear them...will not forsake them.' This echoes the wilderness provision under Moses, now applied to return from exile.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The journey from Babylon through arid regions required divine provision. This promise recalled the Exodus and assured similar miraculous sustenance for the new exodus from Babylon.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attentiveness to desperate prayers encourage you in your neediest moments?
  2. What does God's promise never to forsake the needy teach about His heart for the afflicted?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הָעֲנִיִּ֨ים1 of 15

“When the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וְהָאֶבְיוֹנִ֜ים2 of 15

“and needy”

H34

destitute

מְבַקְשִׁ֥ים3 of 15

“seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

מַ֙יִם֙4 of 15

“water”

H4325

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

וָאַ֔יִן5 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְשׁוֹנָ֖ם6 of 15

“and there is none and their tongue”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

בַּצָּמָ֣א7 of 15

“for thirst”

H6772

thirst (literally or figuratively)

נָשָׁ֑תָּה8 of 15

“faileth”

H5405

properly, to eliminate, i.e., (intransitively) to dry up

אֲנִ֤י9 of 15
H589

i

יְהוָה֙10 of 15

“I the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶעֱנֵ֔ם11 of 15

“will hear”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֱלֹהֵ֥י12 of 15

“them I the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל13 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶעֶזְבֵֽם׃15 of 15

“will not forsake”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

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 41:17 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 41:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 55:1Isaiah 30:19Isaiah 44:3Matthew 5:6Psalms 34:6Psalms 72:12-13

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 41 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes