King James Version

What Does Isaiah 55:11 Mean?

Isaiah 55:11 in the King James Version says “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that whi... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 55 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11 · KJV


Context

9

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse applies the rain/snow analogy to God's word. 'So shall my word be'—drawing the parallel between precipitation's reliability and Scripture's efficacy. God's word 'goeth forth out of my mouth'—emphasizing divine origin, authority, and intentionality. The promise: it 'shall not return unto me void' (reyqam—empty, without effect, unsuccessful). Instead, it 'shall accomplish that which I please' (chephets—delight, purpose, desire) and 'prosper in the thing whereto I sent it' (sahlach—succeed, accomplish the mission). This guarantees Scripture's effectiveness—every divine promise will be fulfilled, every prophecy accomplished, every command effective for its intended purpose. God's word never fails to achieve what He designed it to accomplish.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's prophecies often seemed impossible—exiles returning, Messiah coming, salvation reaching Gentiles. Yet God assured His word would accomplish these purposes, however long they took or unlikely they seemed. New Testament writers saw Isaiah's prophecies fulfilled in Christ, vindicating God's word's reliability. Church history demonstrates Scripture's enduring power—unchanged by cultural shifts, government opposition, or intellectual trends. Countless testimonies confirm God's promises accomplishing His purposes in individual lives, despite delays or obstacles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's guarantee that His word will accomplish its purpose affect your confidence in praying and claiming Scripture's promises?
  2. What specific word or promise from God seems delayed or unlikely in your circumstances, and how does this verse encourage you to keep trusting?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כֵּ֣ן1 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יִֽהְיֶ֤ה2 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבָרִי֙3 of 19

So shall my word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵצֵ֣א5 of 19

be that goeth forth

H3318

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

מִפִּ֔י6 of 19

out of my mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

לֹֽא7 of 19
H3808

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

יָשׁ֥וּב8 of 19

it shall not return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֵלַ֖י9 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רֵיקָ֑ם10 of 19

unto me void

H7387

emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly

כִּ֤י11 of 19
H3588

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

אִם12 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

עָשָׂה֙13 of 19

but it shall accomplish

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת14 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

חָפַ֔צְתִּי16 of 19

that which I please

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

וְהִצְלִ֖יחַ17 of 19

and it shall prosper

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שְׁלַחְתִּֽיו׃19 of 19

in the thing whereto I sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)


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 55:11 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 55:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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