King James Version

What Does Isaiah 42:14 Mean?

Isaiah 42:14 in the King James Version says “I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I wil...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once. devour: Heb. swallow, or, sup up”

Isaiah 42:14 · KJV

Peace

Context

12

Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

13

The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. prevail: or, behave himself mightily

14

I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once. devour: Heb. swallow, or, sup up

15

I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.

16

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. straight: Heb. into straightness

Read Isaiah 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's long silence ('been still' and 'refrained myself') has been deliberate patience, but now He will act like a woman in labor—crying out and panting. This striking feminine imagery conveys the intensity and inevitability of coming judgment/deliverance. What has been gestating must now be born.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God's apparent inactivity during the long exile tested faith. This assures that silence wasn't abandonment but patient waiting for the appointed time. When God acts, it will be with explosive, irresistible force.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you interpret God's silence in your life—as absence or as patient timing?
  2. What does the birthing imagery teach about the intensity of God's coming actions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הֶחֱשֵׁ֙יתִי֙1 of 9

“holden my peace”

H2814

to hush or keep quiet

מֵֽעוֹלָ֔ם2 of 9

“I have long time”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

אַחֲרִ֖ישׁ3 of 9

“I have been still”

H2790

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

אֶתְאַפָּ֑ק4 of 9

“and refrained”

H662

to contain, i.e., (reflexive) abstain

כַּיּוֹלֵדָ֣ה5 of 9

“like a travailing woman”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶפְעֶ֔ה6 of 9

“myself now will I cry”

H6463

to scream

אֶשֹּׁ֥ם7 of 9

“I will destroy”

H5395

properly, to blow away, i.e., destroy

וְאֶשְׁאַ֖ף8 of 9

“and devour”

H7602

to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten

יָֽחַד׃9 of 9

“at once”

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 42:14 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 42:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 3:15Jeremiah 15:6Psalms 83:1-22 Peter 3:9-10Luke 18:7Jeremiah 44:22

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 42 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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