King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:18 Mean?

Isaiah 41:18 in the King James Version says “I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 41:18 · KJV


Context

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:

20

That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises supernatural provision: rivers on bare heights, fountains in valleys, wilderness transformed to pools, dry land to springs. The Hebrew 'petach' (open) suggests God creating what doesn't exist. This exceeds natural provision—it's new creation, demonstrating God's power to transform impossible situations completely.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophetically describes both literal provision during return and spiritual transformation—God makes the desolate heart fruitful. The imagery reverses exile's curse into blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God opening rivers in barren places of your life?
  2. What spiritually dry areas need God's transforming water to become springs of life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אֶפְתַּ֤ח1 of 15

I will open

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

עַל2 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁפָיִים֙3 of 15

in high places

H8205

bareness; concretely, a bare hill or plain

נְהָר֔וֹת4 of 15

rivers

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

וּבְת֥וֹךְ5 of 15

in the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְּקָע֖וֹת6 of 15

of the valleys

H1237

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

מַעְיָנ֑וֹת7 of 15

and fountains

H4599

a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)

אָשִׂ֤ים8 of 15

I will make

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

מִדְבָּר֙9 of 15

the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

לַאֲגַם10 of 15

a pool

H98

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

מָֽיִם׃11 of 15

of water

H4325

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

וְאֶ֥רֶץ12 of 15

land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

צִיָּ֖ה13 of 15

and the dry

H6723

aridity; concretely, a desert

לְמוֹצָ֥אֵי14 of 15

springs

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

מָֽיִם׃15 of 15

of water

H4325

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


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 41:18 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 41:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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