King James Version

What Does Isaiah 48:21 Mean?

Isaiah 48:21 in the King James Version says “And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he cl...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.”

Isaiah 48:21 · KJV

Context

19

Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.

20

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

21

And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

22

There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

Read Isaiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They thirsted not when he led them through the deserts (וְלֹא צָמְאוּ בַּחֳרָבוֹת הוֹלִיכָם)—This recalls the first exodus when God provided water in wilderness. The verb holiqam (led them) emphasizes divine guidance through charavot (desert places, waste lands). Despite arid conditions, lo tsame'u (they thirsted not)—a miracle of provision. He caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them—The verb hizil (caused to flow) recalls both Exodus 17:6 (Horeb) and Numbers 20:11 (Kadesh) where Moses struck rocks and water gushed forth.

He clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out (וַיִּבְקַע־צוּר וַיָּזֻבוּ מָיִם)—The verbs vayivqa (split, cleave) and vayazuvu (gushed, flowed) emphasize abundance. Paul interprets this typologically: 'that Rock was Christ' (1 Corinthians 10:4). The smitten rock represents Christ crucified, from whom living water flows to all who believe (John 7:37-39). Isaiah promises the second exodus (from Babylon) will mirror the first—God will supernaturally provide. This assures believers: God who provided yesterday will provide today. The same grace that sustained wilderness wanderings sustains present trials. Christ, the smitten Rock, eternally pours out Spirit-water for thirsty souls.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical exodus included miraculous water provision at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7) and Kadesh (Numbers 20:1-13). The rock at Horeb became proverbial for God's provision. When Isaiah prophesied Babylon's exile and return, he assured: just as God provided then, He'll provide now. The church fathers saw baptism and Eucharist prefigured here—water and blood from Christ's pierced side, spiritual provision for the New Covenant community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the rock producing water typologically point to Christ as source of living water for spiritual thirst?
  2. What does God's past faithfulness (exodus provision) guarantee about His present and future faithfulness?
  3. How should Christians 'drink from the Rock' today—what does this mean practically in terms of depending on Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְלֹ֣א1 of 12
H3808

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

צָמְא֗וּ2 of 12

“And they thirsted”

H6770

to thirst (literally or figuratively)

בָּחֳרָבוֹת֙3 of 12

“them through the deserts”

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

הֽוֹלִיכָ֔ם4 of 12
H1980

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

מָֽיִם׃5 of 12

“also and the waters”

H4325

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

צ֔וּר6 of 12

“out of the rock”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

הִזִּ֣יל7 of 12

“to flow”

H5140

to drip, or shed by trickling

לָ֑מוֹ8 of 12
H0
וַיִּ֨בְקַע9 of 12

“for them he clave”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

צ֔וּר10 of 12

“out of the rock”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

וַיָּזֻ֖בוּ11 of 12

“gushed out”

H2100

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

מָֽיִם׃12 of 12

“also and the waters”

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 48:21 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 48:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 43:19-20Psalms 105:41Isaiah 41:17-18Psalms 78:20Exodus 17:6Isaiah 35:6-7

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