King James Version

What Does Isaiah 49:10 Mean?

Isaiah 49:10 in the King James Version says “They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead t... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Isaiah 49:10 · KJV


Context

8

Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; establish: or, raise up

9

That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.

10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

11

And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.

12

Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise 'They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them' describes comprehensive divine provision for returning pilgrims. The reason: 'he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.' This merges Exodus imagery (manna, water from rock) with Shepherd psalm (Psalm 23), anticipating Jesus as Bread of Life and Living Water.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Return from Babylon through desert required miraculous provision echoing the Exodus. But ultimate fulfillment awaits new creation where 'they shall hunger no more' (Revelation 7:16), showing how earthly redemptions typify final salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual hunger and thirst has Jesus satisfied in your life?
  2. How does God's past provision (leading by springs of water) encourage trust for present needs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
לֹ֤א1 of 15
H3808

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

יִרְעָ֙בוּ֙2 of 15

They shall not hunger

H7456

to hunger

וְלֹ֣א3 of 15
H3808

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

יִצְמָ֔אוּ4 of 15

nor thirst

H6770

to thirst (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹא5 of 15
H3808

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

יַכֵּ֥ם6 of 15

smite

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

שָׁרָ֖ב7 of 15

neither shall the heat

H8273

quivering glow (of the air), especially the mirage

וָשָׁ֑מֶשׁ8 of 15

nor sun

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

כִּי9 of 15
H3588

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

מְרַחֲמָ֣ם10 of 15

them for he that hath mercy

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

יְנַהֲגֵ֔ם11 of 15

on them shall lead

H5090

to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh

וְעַל12 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַבּ֥וּעֵי13 of 15

them even by the springs

H4002

a fountain

מַ֖יִם14 of 15

of water

H4325

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

יְנַהֲלֵֽם׃15 of 15

shall he guide

H5095

properly, to run with a sparkle, i.e., flow; hence (transitively), to conduct, and (by inference) to protect, sustain


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 49:10 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 49:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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