King James Version

What Does Isaiah 58:10 Mean?

Isaiah 58:10 in the King James Version says “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 58 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:”

Isaiah 58:10 · KJV

Context

8

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. be: Heb. gather thee up

9

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

10

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:

11

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. drought: Heb. droughts fail: Heb. lie, or, deceive

12

And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Read Isaiah 58 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God continues promising blessing for practical mercy: "And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul." "Draw out thy soul" (taphek naphsho) means to pour out yourself, giving not merely surplus but from personal resources and with personal involvement. "Satisfy the afflicted soul" requires meeting genuine needs—the Hebrew anah (afflicted) describes those humbled by circumstances. Then come glorious promises: "then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday." This promises illumination in dark circumstances—God bringing clarity, hope, and vindication when circumstances appear hopeless. The contrast between "obscurity" and "noonday" emphasizes complete transformation from deepest darkness to brightest light. This echoes earlier promises (verse 8) but adds the element of God bringing light even in ongoing dark circumstances. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates that those who live out their faith through mercy will experience God's sustaining presence even in trials. The darkness doesn't necessarily disappear, but God's light shines within it, transforming experience from despair to hope.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The post-exilic community faced difficult circumstances—foreign domination, economic hardship, and delayed restoration of former glory (Haggai 1:6, 2:3). Those who responded with generosity rather than hoarding, mercy rather than exploitation, experienced God's sustaining grace even in those diminished circumstances. This principle continued throughout redemptive history. The early church, despite persecution and poverty, experienced joy and divine favor as they shared generously (Acts 2:44-47, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'draw out your soul' to help others rather than giving merely from surplus?
  2. How can believers experience God's light even while remaining in dark circumstances?
  3. In what ways does generous living toward others transform our own experience of hardship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְתָפֵ֤ק1 of 11

“And if thou draw out”

H6329

to issue, i.e., furnish; causatively, to secure; figuratively, to succeed

לָֽרָעֵב֙2 of 11

“to the hungry”

H7457

hungry (more or less intensely)

וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ3 of 11

“soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ4 of 11

“soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

נַעֲנָ֖ה5 of 11

“the afflicted”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

תַּשְׂבִּ֑יעַ6 of 11

“and satisfy”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

וְזָרַ֤ח7 of 11

“rise”

H2224

properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)

בַּחֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙8 of 11

“in obscurity”

H2822

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

אוֹרֶ֔ךָ9 of 11

“then shall thy light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

וַאֲפֵלָתְךָ֖10 of 11

“and thy darkness”

H653

duskiness, figuratively, misfortune; concrete, concealment

כַּֽצָּהֳרָֽיִם׃11 of 11

“be as the noonday”

H6672

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

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 58:10 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 58:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 11:24-25Isaiah 42:16Psalms 37:6Isaiah 58:7-8Job 11:17Deuteronomy 15:7-10

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