King James Version

What Does Isaiah 57:14 Mean?

Isaiah 57:14 in the King James Version says “And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

Isaiah 57:14 · KJV


Context

12

I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.

13

When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;

14

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

16

For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The tone shifts dramatically to gospel promise: "Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, remove the stumblingblock out of the way of my people." This highway preparation imagery appears elsewhere in Isaiah (40:3-4, 62:10), prophesying the removal of obstacles preventing God's people from returning to Him. The repetition "cast up, cast up" emphasizes urgency and certainty. The "stumblingblock" (mikshol) represents whatever hinders relationship with God—whether sin, false teaching, or spiritual blindness. This verse is quoted in connection with John the Baptist's ministry (Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4-6, John 1:23), preparing for Messiah's coming. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates God's sovereign grace in salvation: God Himself removes the obstacles preventing His people's return. Human effort doesn't clear the way; divine grace does. This is the doctrine of effectual calling—God not only invites but removes every hindrance and draws His elect irresistibly to salvation (John 6:44, Philippians 1:6).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy had partial fulfillment in the return from Babylonian exile, when God stirred Cyrus to release the captives and they rebuilt Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4). However, its ultimate fulfillment is in Christ's coming to remove the barrier of sin and make a way of salvation (Hebrews 9:8-12, 10:19-20). The New Testament sees John the Baptist as fulfilling this preparatory role, calling for repentance to prepare hearts for Christ (Matthew 3:1-3).

Reflection Questions

  1. What obstacles in our hearts and minds prevent us from fully trusting and following Christ?
  2. How does God's sovereign grace remove the stumblingblocks that we cannot remove ourselves?
  3. In what ways are we called to prepare the way for others to hear the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְאָמַ֥ר1 of 9

And shall say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

סֹ֖לּוּ2 of 9

Cast ye up

H5549

to mound up (especially a turnpike); figurative, to exalt; reflexively, to oppose (as by a dam)

סֹ֖לּוּ3 of 9

Cast ye up

H5549

to mound up (especially a turnpike); figurative, to exalt; reflexively, to oppose (as by a dam)

פַּנּוּ4 of 9

prepare

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

מִדֶּ֥רֶךְ5 of 9

out of the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָרִ֥ימוּ6 of 9

take up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

מִכְשׁ֖וֹל7 of 9

the stumblingblock

H4383

a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)

מִדֶּ֥רֶךְ8 of 9

out of the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

עַמִּֽי׃9 of 9

of my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


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 57:14 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 57:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study