King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:19 Mean?

Isaiah 41:19 in the King James Version says “I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert t...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Isaiah 41:19 · KJV

Context

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.

21

Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Produce: Heb. Cause to come near

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Seven trees (cedar, shittah, myrtle, oil, fir, pine, box) will grow in the wilderness and desert—a complete transformation from barrenness to abundance. These specific trees include valuable timber and fragrant wood, suggesting not just survival but flourishing. God's restoration exceeds the original state.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This poetic description of transformed landscape symbolizes the spiritual renewal accompanying physical return. The land that became desolate under judgment will bloom under restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise of complete transformation encourage hope in barren situations?
  2. In what ways does God's restoration typically exceed merely returning to previous conditions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֶתֵּ֤ן1 of 13

“I will plant”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בַּמִּדְבָּר֙2 of 13

“in the wilderness”

H4057

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

אֶ֣רֶז3 of 13

“the cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

שִׁטָּ֔ה4 of 13

“the shittah tree”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וַהֲדַ֖ס5 of 13

“and the myrtle”

H1918

the myrtle

וְעֵ֣ץ6 of 13

“tree”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שָׁ֑מֶן7 of 13

“and the oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

אָשִׂ֣ים8 of 13

“I will set”

H7760

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

בָּעֲרָבָ֗ה9 of 13

“in the desert”

H6160

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

בְּר֛וֹשׁ10 of 13

“the fir tree”

H1265

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)

תִּדְהָ֥ר11 of 13

“and the pine”

H8410

enduring; a species of hard-wood or lasting tree (perhaps oak)

וּתְאַשּׁ֖וּר12 of 13

“and the box tree”

H8391

a species of cedar (from its erectness)

יַחְדָּֽו׃13 of 13

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

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 41:19 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 41:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 55:13Isaiah 37:31-32Isaiah 35:1Isaiah 60:13Isaiah 61:11Isaiah 60:21

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