King James Version

What Does Isaiah 43:17 Mean?

Isaiah 43:17 in the King James Version says “Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: t...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.”

Isaiah 43:17 · KJV

Context

15

I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.

16

Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

17

Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.

18

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

19

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Read Isaiah 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God brought forth 'the chariot and horse, the army and the power'—Pharaoh's military might—only to make them 'lie down together' in death. The Hebrew 'shakav' (lie down) euphemistically describes death. The extinction imagery: 'quenched as tow' (flax)—quickly consumed. God neutralizes all opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Red Sea didn't just open a path but destroyed pursuing enemies. Egypt's military power, seemed invincible, was extinguished instantly. This reminds exiles that Babylon will similarly fall.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's past judgment on Egypt encourage you facing overwhelming opposition?
  2. What powerful enemies in your life need God's extinguishing intervention?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הַמּוֹצִ֥יא1 of 12

“Which bringeth forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

רֶֽכֶב2 of 12

“the chariot”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וָס֖וּס3 of 12

“and horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

חַ֣יִל4 of 12

“the army”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וְעִזּ֑וּז5 of 12

“and the power”

H5808

forcible; collectively and concretely, an army

יַחְדָּ֤ו6 of 12

“together”

H3162

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

יִשְׁכְּבוּ֙7 of 12

“they shall lie down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

בַּל8 of 12
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יָק֔וּמוּ9 of 12

“they shall not rise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

דָּעֲכ֖וּ10 of 12

“they are extinct”

H1846

to be extinguished; figuratively, to expire or be dried up

כַּפִּשְׁתָּ֥ה11 of 12

“as tow”

H6594

flax; by implication, a wick

כָבֽוּ׃12 of 12

“they are quenched”

H3518

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

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 43:17 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 43:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 14:4-9Isaiah 1:31Ezekiel 38:8-18Psalms 76:5-6Psalms 118:12Revelation 20:8-9

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Isaiah 43 →

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 43 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 43 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes