King James Version

What Does Isaiah 66:9 Mean?

Isaiah 66:9 in the King James Version says “Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the wom...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. not: or, not beget?”

Isaiah 66:9 · KJV

Context

7

Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.

8

Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

9

Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. not: or, not beget?

10

Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:

11

That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. abundance: or, brightness

Read Isaiah 66 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God answers His own rhetorical questions: "Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God." Two questions affirm God's faithfulness to complete what He begins. The Hebrew ashbir (bring to birth) and olid (cause to bring forth) emphasize God's active role in conception and delivery. The questions are rhetorical—obviously God doesn't initiate labor and then prevent birth! The promise: God completes what He starts. "Saith the LORD" and "saith thy God" add double affirmation—this is covenant promise from Yahweh, the personal God of His people. From a Reformed perspective, this teaches the perseverance of the saints and the certainty of God's purposes. What God begins, He completes (Philippians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:24). Those He predestines, He also glorifies—no one is lost along the way (Romans 8:29-30). God doesn't abandon His work mid-process. The elect will certainly be saved, sanctified, and glorified.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The post-exilic community worried that God's restoration promises might fail—they'd begun returning but circumstances remained difficult. God promised certainty: He would complete what He started. This principle appears throughout redemptive history. God completed His promise to Abraham despite impossible circumstances (Romans 4:18-21). He completed Israel's exodus despite obstacles. He completed Christ's redemptive work despite opposition. He will complete the church's mission despite current difficulties. Final fulfillment comes when the last elect person is saved and the bride is presented spotless to Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27, Jude 24-25).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this promise relate to the doctrine of perseverance of the saints?
  2. What comfort does God's commitment to complete what He begins provide in personal sanctification?
  3. How should confidence in God's completion of His purposes affect our perseverance in ministry despite obstacles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֲנִ֧י1 of 12

“shall I”

H589

i

אַשְׁבִּ֛יר2 of 12

“Shall I bring to the birth”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹ֥א3 of 12
H3808

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

הַמּוֹלִ֛יד4 of 12

“and not cause to bring forth”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אָמַ֥ר5 of 12

“saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 12

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אִם7 of 12
H518

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

אֲנִ֧י8 of 12

“shall I”

H589

i

הַמּוֹלִ֛יד9 of 12

“and not cause to bring forth”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וְעָצַ֖רְתִּי10 of 12

“and shut”

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

אָמַ֥ר11 of 12

“saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהָֽיִךְ׃12 of 12

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 66:9 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 66:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 37:3Genesis 18:14

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