King James Version

What Does Isaiah 43:2 Mean?

Isaiah 43:2 in the King James Version says “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when th... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Isaiah 43:2 · KJV


Context

1

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

2

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3

For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

4

Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. life: or, person


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse offers profound assurance of God's presence in life's most overwhelming trials. The 'when' (not 'if') acknowledges that believers will face difficulties. Four scenarios represent different types of trials: waters (overwhelming circumstances), rivers (strong opposition), fire (persecution/testing), and flames (intense suffering). God doesn't promise exemption from trials but presence in them—'I will be with thee.' The promise that waters won't overflow and fire won't burn us doesn't mean we won't get wet or feel heat, but that trials won't destroy us. God's sustaining grace ensures our survival and ultimate victory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel faced literal water crossings (Red Sea, Jordan) where God's presence meant salvation, not drowning. Babylon's fiery furnace (Daniel 3) demonstrated God's protective presence—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked in flames unharmed because the fourth figure (interpreted as Christ pre-incarnate) walked with them. First-century Christians facing martyrdom by fire found courage in this promise. Church history records countless believers who testified to God's sustaining presence in persecution, imprisonment, and martyrdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'waters' or 'fires' are you currently facing, and how does God's promise of presence change your perspective on them?
  2. How can you cultivate awareness of God's presence in trials rather than focusing only on the difficulty itself?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
כִּֽי1 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תַעֲבֹ֤ר2 of 18

When thou passest through

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בַּמַּ֙יִם֙3 of 18

the waters

H4325

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

אִתְּךָ4 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אָ֔נִי5 of 18
H589

i

וּבַנְּהָר֖וֹת6 of 18

I will be with thee and through the rivers

H5104

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

לֹ֣א7 of 18
H3808

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

יִשְׁטְפ֑וּךָ8 of 18

they shall not overflow

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

כִּֽי9 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תֵלֵ֤ךְ10 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּמוֹ11 of 18

through

H1119

in, with, by, etc

אֵשׁ֙12 of 18

the fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לֹ֣א13 of 18
H3808

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

תִכָּוֶ֔ה14 of 18

thou shalt not be burned

H3554

properly, to prick or penetrate; hence, to blister (as smarting or eating into)

וְלֶהָבָ֖ה15 of 18

neither shall the flame

H3852

flame

לֹ֥א16 of 18
H3808

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

תִבְעַר17 of 18

kindle

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

בָּֽךְ׃18 of 18
H0

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 43:2 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 43:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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